Today’s Political Headlines – 19 December 2017

A round-up of the latest political headlines, including no special deal for the City, May’s third Brexit speech, Paradise Papers legal action and racial bias in the justice system.  

No special deal for the City
Featuring on the front page of the Guardian this morning is EU negotiator Michel Barnier’s ruling out of a special arrangement that would protect City firms. Barnier has warned that upon leaving the Single Market, the UK’s financial services sector will lose the right to trade freely.

Theresa May is preparing her third major Brexit speech
Theresa May has started preparing for her third major Brexit speech that will outline the UK’s future relationship with the EU. According to The Financial Times, Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, Environment Secretary Michael Gove, International Trade Secretary Liam Fox and Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson all back regulatory divergence from the EU as part of an ambitious trade deal.

Paradise Papers legal action condemned
Key media partners in the Paradise Papers investigation have spoken out against legal action that would force the BBC and the Guardian to disclose documents used by reporters. The Guardian has reported that the editor-in-chief of the Sueddeutsche Zeitung and the director of the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists have reacted to Appleby’s launch of breach-of-confidence proceedings against the BBC and the Guardian.

Government steps up to call to address racial bias in the justice system
Secretary of State for Justice David Lidington has today announced measures to implement recommendations made in David Lammy MP’s Government commissioned review of race disparity. The Guardian has reported that a pilot programme being considered by the Government could mean that prosecutions of suspects in London could be deferred or dropped.

Department for Transport has the widest gender pay gap in Government
The BBC has reported that the Department for Transport has the widest gender pay gap of any government department, with women earning on average 16.9% less than their male counterparts. According to new government figures, the Department for Culture, Media, Digital and Sport has the narrowest gender pay gap, with men earning 3% more than women.

Ministry of Defence confirms £3.1bn aircraft carrier leaks
Both the Guardian and The Financial Times have reported confirmation from the Ministry of Defence that the £3.1bn HMS Queen Elizabeth is leaking. After less than a month in service, the most expensive warship to ever be commissioned by the Royal Navy has a problem with a shaft seal.

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